Lesney Products and Co. Ltd. (1947-1982) of England was famous for its "Matchbox" series of diecast toy product line. The company also produced a "Models of Yesteryear" series, which included a tram. It was a model of the classic Class E1 double-deck tram of London Transport, built from 1907 until 1922 and in use until the end of London's tram service in 1954. The diecast model was identified on the box as being made in 1:130 scale, but it has also been identified as 1:133, 1:128 or simply "Lesney scale," in any case slightly larger than the typical range of scales used with N-gauge track.
This diecast model gained a second life in 1985, when Cadbury Ty-Phoo Ltd. used it as a promotional item to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Ty-Phoo Tea (which had been widely advertised on the sides of real British trams back in their heyday), as well as the centenary of electric trams in Britain (Blackpool, 1885). This version was made in Hong Kong.
Industrious N-gauge tramway modelers have managed to power both versions of this model in order to have operating tram models. - R. D. Kerr
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Product: | Y3 - "E" Class London Tramcar |
| Year Made: | 1956-1965 | |
| City/System: | London Transport | |
| Colors: | Red with white roof | |
| Vehicle No.: | None | |
| Route/Line: | City | |
| Writing: | London Transport logo | |
| Notes: | News of the World and Lesley Toys ads; metal roof. | |
|
Product: | Original E1 London Tram |
| Year Made: | 1985 | |
| City/System: | London Transport | |
| Colors: | Red with white roof | |
| Vehicle No.: | None | |
| Route/Line: | None | |
| Writing: | None | |
| Notes: | Ty-Phoo Tea ads; plastic roof. | |
